Manchester City are there to be shot at, says Zabaleta

By John Christodoulou

The right-back believes it is natural for clubs to want to beat the reigning champions, and that the team must take it in their stride if they are to defend their title

Manchester City defender Pablo Zabaleta has acknowledged that the club are "there to be shot at" as they defend their Premier League, and has explained that it is just one of the difficulties they must overcome during the season.

Roberto Mancini's side defeated Tottenham 2-1 on Sunday, with another late goal courtesy of Edin Dzeko rescuing all three points for the club, which keeps them two points adrift of league leaders and fierce rivals Manchester United.

The 27-year-old believes the club will have to work even harder this season as they have become a bigger scalp to claim for the rest of the league, and that it is just something that comes with the territory.

Zabaleta told reporters: "We have come a long way in the last four years and the expectations have changed.

"It's normal that when you win the title, people will knock you at the first opportunity.